Kendrick Lamar closed out Cali Christmas with a bang. Moments before taking the stage, the West Coast’s golden child spoke with Rap-Up TV about his big year, topping critics’ best-of-the-year lists with his debut good kid, m.A.A.d city, and his favorite album of 2012.

He also explained how his collaboration with Dido came together (“Let Us Move On”) and updated us on his collaborative album with J. Cole.

Plus, find out how Kendrick plans to spend the holidays and what his favorite Christmas song is (Hint: It’s by a fellow West Coast rapper.)